Stratha'an facts for kids
Stratha'an or Strathavon is a lovely valley in the Moray area of Scotland. It's named after the River Avon, which locals call the River A'an. This valley is part of the wider Strathspey region.
For a long time, Stratha'an was also known as a "provincial lordship." This means it was an important area ruled by a powerful lord. Records show it existed as a lordship between 1194 and 1198. It covered the areas of Kirkmichael and Inveravon.
Stratha'an: A Historical Land
Stratha'an was more than just a valley; it was a significant historical territory. A "lordship" was like a large estate or region controlled by a noble family. The Stratha'an lordship included the parishes of Kirkmichael and Inveravon.
Who Ruled Stratha'an?
The Earls of Fife were a very important noble family in Scottish history. They had strong ties to the Stratha'an lordship.
- Around 1190, Earl Duncan of Fife might have taken control of Stratha'an.
- A mountain called Ben Macdui is on the western edge of the lordship. Its name, Beinn Mac Duibh, means "MacDuff's Mountain." This could be a nod to Earl Duncan's family, Clan MacDuff.
- Another clue is a small stream, Allt an Gille Mícheil. It's on the southeastern border. This might remember an even earlier leader, Earl Gille Míchéil. This suggests the Earls of Fife might have been linked to Stratha'an as early as 1130. That was the year of the Battle of Stracathro.
The Earls of Fife's Strong Connection
By 1214, the link between Stratha'an and the Earls of Fife was very clear.
- Earl Malcolm, another Earl of Fife, gave the church of St. Peter of Inveravon to the Diocese of Moray.
- He included "all the parish of the whole of Stratha'an" in this gift.
- Later, between 1315 and 1329, King Robert I wrote a special document. It said that the Earls of Fife had held their lordship in Stratha'an "in ancient times." This shows how long and deep their connection was.
